Massachusetts Green Jobs

The Product Manager, Distribution Compensation Systems will be responsible for leading and executing Distribution Compensation Systems (DCS) value stream to support the deployment of Absence Comprehensive Experience (ACE) project. You will be responsible for leading end-to-end build and delivery of comprehensive solutions across DCS and ACE to make sure the two systems have data connectivity, capabilities and integration needed to accurately calculate, pay and report on broker commissions, member level commissions, special producer bonus and sales incentive plan systems.

You will define the DCS vision of how we can modernize our compensation systems to aggregate and consume sales data to calculate compensation for brokers and internal sales by integrating data feeds from ACE and other legacy Guardian admin systems. You will develop the roadmap for DCS by identifying user needs, prioritizing features, and guiding work through Agile methodologies. You will utilize product management principles to assess opportunities, prioritize options, think with a user-centric mindset, assess viability, and deliver optimal solutions.

You will lead the DCS value stream as a forward-thinker, innovator, go-getter and change agent, responsible for using continuous improvement and change management practices to drive successful execution and increased effectiveness across Distribution Compensation Systems. You’ll work with a highly motivated, cross-functional team of product managers, architects, developers, and business analysts along with stakeholders from sales/distribution focused on delivering modern solutions making our compensation systems more effective, sustainable and scalable. You will build frameworks that enhance performance and drive consistent delivery within the value stream.

The Product Manager, Distribution Compensation Systems will report directly to the Head of Group Distribution Compensation Strategy and will assist in development of the vision, multi-year roadmap and strategic frameworks to drive the DCS value stream within ACE. For the right candidate, this role will offer great visibility, opportunity to lead the work at high levels, and future opportunities for career progression.

You Will:

• Lead end-to-end build, execution and change management for DCS value stream.

• Develop a clear product vision, roadmap and execution plan representing business needs, deliverables, dependencies, timelines, and benefits - in collaboration with ACE, Tech, operations and compensation SME teams to ensure alignment between DCS and ACE.

• Ensure each DCS value stream is correctly identified, defined, mapped, optimized, managed, and improved upon over time in line with ACE.

• Own and prioritize backlogs in partnership with subject matter experts, developers, and stakeholders to drive timely deployment of product features and capabilities while identifying, escalating, and resolving issues.

• Ensure proactive socialization with business leaders and key stakeholders, gaining buy-in, alignment, and providing transparency to key decisions.

• Craft and communicate execution plans by defining releases, program increments for new features, architecture, milestones, and other types of enabler work.

• Ensure appropriate change management plans and communication plans are executed on, and there is alignment with PMs across other ACE programs.

• Ensure active participation in product demos, read outs and other value stream reviews.

• Ensure successful deployment of DCS across all Guardian systems including appropriate product training and positioning to educate distribution and other stakeholders, IMS updates, new reporting execution, updated process maps, MAR, and other controls.

• Partner with technology teams to meet the overall release plan at the project and team level, understand blockers/limitations and their impact on the product and relevance to end users.

• Ensure value stream stays within the established scope to avoid scope creep and keep product within timeline and budget.

• Ensure successful release and deployment of systems in coordination with business, product, operations, and technology teams.

• Perform risk analysis and lead development and execution of risk response plans.

• Build and manage relationships with cross functional business partners and teams across Guardian and our vendor partners.

• Act as a change agent and stay focused on motivating project teams and maintaining momentum.

• Ensure proper resource management by assigning clear ownership.

• Maintain an open and positive line of communication.

You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience with 6+ years of experience in Agile Product management/development.

• Group Insurance/Financial services experience preferred.

• Demonstrated knowledge of software delivery methodologies (Agile, Product backlogs etc.).

• Excellent ability to construct and prioritize multiple program backlogs and execution plans.

• Experience working successfully and influentially with multiple key stakeholders to define product vision, objectives, scope, schedule, and budget.

• Demonstrated capability to navigate in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks with competing deadlines.

• Extensive experience in creating engaging and effective PowerPoint Presentations (demonstrated ability to tell the story).

• Strong ability to proactively identify and manage risks, issues, and costs for each assigned initiative.

• Growth mindset with strategic thinking and ability to execute and successfully deliver solutions.

• Proven ability to adapt to and lead through change quickly and easily and operate effectively through ambiguity.

• An ability to articulate and clearly communicate complex problems and solutions in a simple and logical manner.

• Exceptional collaboration, negotiation, inter-personal, and influencing skills.

• Excellent critical thinking, decision making and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships, influence others and work effectively in a matrixed organization.

• Effective leadership qualities and skills, with the ability to express and defend ideas and concepts.

• Experience with compiling, managing, and maintaining key documentation for project-related artifacts.

• Knowledge of data privacy regulations, and security best practices is a plus.

• Proficiency using Confluence, JIRA, Clarity, and Jira Align.

Location & Travel:

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: 2 Days a week in any Guardian office and 3 days working remotely.

• Possible Guardian locations include Boston, MA; Bethlehem, PA; Holmdel, NJ; New York, NY; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; and Plano, TX.

Salary Range

$82,660.00 - $135,805.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.

Health Care

• Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits

• Dental plan

• Vision plan

• Health care accounts – flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts

• Critical illness insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

• Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage

• Accident insurance

Retirement and Financial

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable

• Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative

Time Off and Remote Work

• Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)

• Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement

• Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days

• Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies

Emotional Well-being and Work-Life

• Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health

• Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement

• Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons

• Adoption assistance

• College planning

• Tuition reimbursement

• Student loan assistance

• Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas

Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact applicant_accommodation@glic.com .

Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com .